Knowledge - The depth and the area

We all know a lot of things. Some of us knows a lot about a certain subject or topic and some of us know lot of different topics from scratch.

The former type of knowledge would be analogous to depth. It is not possible to have depth in all the subjects, it is not needed and not expected. But yes, it is expected that you would posses depth in the sector you are specialized in due to your background, academics or ambition. No one is expected to know everything about MBA before you graduate from a b-school, but if you have graduated from a tech school you are expected to know about your field. Apart from this there are various ways to enhance you depth. One of the ways I use to increase my depth is the top down approach derived from the surface area of my knowledge exposure.*

Area - Newspapers, blogs, Magazines, TV, books etc etc gives you an opportunity to expand your knowledge area. You are expected to know a bit about finance, politics, economics, sports, media, entertainment, industry etc etc. Difference between this type of knowledge from the earlier is that this can be an output of casual reading or reading as a practice. No one can program or feed you this kind of knowledge. This only depends on you exposure, habits, attitude and hunger for knowledge.

* Now coming to the point how to get both. Mind you we want to create a equilibrium, lets just say its represented by the equilateral triangle.

Aim is to get enough area and enough knowledge.

I use newspapers, articles, RSS Feeds, magazines, TV, Books to cover as much as subjects possible. I dont look forward to be a master in each but an attempt to scratch the surface. A good tool for this is Wikipedia. Once i am stuck on a subject which interests me or it is aligned to my career I go on reading about the same in depths. I make my unique triangle.

All in all reading is the key.

Group Discussions - An Introduction

Group Discussion (GD) is a discussion done in a group. Period! So what's the fuss about this. We do discussion in groups all the time, sitting in your college canteen discussing about guys / girls, discussing about music, movies, "studies", etc etc. So why is this discussion so different? Here's the differentiation:

1. You cannot choose the topic
2. You do not have an option to pull out
3. You might not know anything about the topic
4. You are not interacting with known faces
5. Aim of this discussion is not to discuss, or to kill time or to enjoy but a race

Your effort for preparation for the exam, cracking it, reading various stuffs for your GD (including this), getting dressed, reaching the venue etc etc would boil down to this race. You must survive the race (read survive and not win) to get to the next level.

So what are the criteria you are measured upon in a GD:

1. Presence of mind (Analytical, Articulate and Creative)
2. Communication Skills
3. Knowledge (depth and distribution of knowledge)
4. Be visible and balanced (not too aggressive nor too timid)
5. Capability to listen and make people listen
6. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
7. Contribution to the topic and discussion

Lets discuss each one of these.

Congratulations !!!!

Hi,

Welcome to this unique informally delivered formal content blog. I believe when you decided to visit this blog there can be two reason:

1. You have cracked the illusive Admission exam - Congratulations.

2. Expecting to crack - All the best.

Since you have taken the attempt and contemplating a success I am sure you belong to the bunch of most creative and intelligent people walking on this planet. So I would not waste you time talking about the basic stuffs which you can easily Google. Nor will I give you cliched opinions and answers which all interviewers have been bored to hear year after year.

I believe every individual is different and hence there cannot be a standard formula for cracking GD and PI. My attempt throughout this blog would be to make sure you with the battle having your uniqueness as your trump card.

I would encourage interaction with you, so that we can understand each other and help you realize your dreams.